drew4779

I stop throwing them if it's too weedy and I'm constantly clearing the hooks (unless I'm catching them). I hold off throwing them in super clear water, as other presentations seem to be more effective. I tend to stay away from them the first week or so after ice out (this excludes jerk baits which are among the top cold water baits for me).

French press and a propane camping stove.

It's been said over and over...but why not say it again?...shimano or daiwa.

5.2 largemouth / live target frog 2 5/8 emerald-Brown / AEP

Storm ThunderCraw

I used to use a standard back pack, but lately for my long hikes, I've switched to using my softball backpack (easton walk off bat pack). I can fit 2 rod tubes in the bat slots so I can have both my hands free and I can fit 3 large boxes, a worm binder, and all the other accessories I need.

I use a fenwick methods. It packs up small enough that I can carry on a plane. It has 5 pieces (3 pieces to make a rod) so you switch between fast or moderate action and MH and H power. Works for me.

This line has a lot of memory but it's not bad if you douse it in line conditioner often.

Look to BPS. Their reels will go cheap come spring. Although, I can't disagree with going either daiwa or shimano.

Pflueger spinning reels never disappoint.

I'm going to go off the rails here a little bit and say that there's something awesome about catching a 5 lbs. bass on an ultra light. I switched to real bass gear about 17 years ago only after losing two PB's in a day. Every once in while, I dust off the old UL and tie on a something way too big, set the drag, and hold on.

I don't mind sharing info on the water. In fact, I typically ask guys I come across how they did. I don't horn in on others spots or press them about every detail of their day, but most guys i come across are more than willing to share. Exception: Tournament days. I don't fish tournaments, but if I did, I wouldn't want anyone screwing with me and because of that, I leave those guys alone. Now... rifling those some else's stuff is just plain crazy. I spent a lot of time out of town this last month and was looking to do some fishing in my down time. Everyone I talked with was as cool as could be and definitely helped me out. I even ran into a guide while fishing and he approached me to give me some tips about the area. I couldn't be more appreciative. Because of instances like this, I always try to pay it forward.

Kershaw 8100 funxion. I really like the small cord cutter for cutting line.

I use a fenwick method for travel. I've caught some nice fish on it and I can carry it on the plane. Also, nice to have options in one package (mh/m, mh/f, h/m, h/f)

I've had two deer come within 15' of me while I was fishing by myself. I had my ear buds in and they kind of startled me at first, but they did their thing and I did mine. I've had a young river otter run right between my legs while fishing. I'm fully convinced that it wanted to play. It just kept going in the water and coming back and rolling around on the ground. I finally had to find a new spot to cast cause I didn't want to have to get a hook out of it. I've seen a coyote hide in the bushes behind my brother on the opposite side of the creek. That made me a little nervous but no issues in the end. The only two times I was fearful was once I had a skunk appear under a panic table I was sitting at. It was as scared of me as I of it. We both comically back away from each other one step at a time till we were about 25' apart and both preceeded to run. And finally...a number of years ago I was on a guided trip through the boundary waters when a pack of wolves (6) came through our camp. I was frozen. The guide made it out to be no big deal. They just trotted through camp and were gone with not even a glance our way.

I'd consider taking that chronarch off your hands.

If you're going through tube after tube, that's a good thing. That means you're slaying them. In my experience, there isn't a St. Clair smallie that can resist one. BPS is probably your best bang for your buck. Although, I prefer venom and ISG, but not necessarily due to durability...just a confidence thing.

x2

About 10 years ago, i forgot to lift the motor when leaving the lake. I got caught in a bad storm and was rushing. Drug it up the ramp about 15 feet before I noticed. I had my dad's boat at the time. He still hasn't let me forget.

My square bills and jigs tend to get the most action in fall.

#1 - live target hollow body frog 65T in emerald. #2 - venom tube t-rigged with an 1/8 bullet weight in roadkill.

Ditto 100%

OH, KY, IN, TN, MI, MN, FL, AL, and SD. Ontario as well.

Awesome reel. What are they asking for them? I'd pay $100 for a new one.

I fish AEP quite often and there's quality bass in almost every lake/pond. A couple things to keep in mind: The lakes closest to the roads are highly pressured and can be more difficult to catch bass in and the water is very clear so use flurocarbon and natural color lures. My top producers there are hollow body frogs, tubes (t-rigged and fished very very slow), shakey heads, and 4" weightless t-rigged senkos. Bring a machete because, as you've probably already figured out, fishing from shore is a challenge with the abundance of briars. I look like I've been fighting with hundreds of feral cats after spending a weekend there. Also, Google Earth is key when fishing the recreation lands. Find your target ponds prior to going and save a screen shot before arriving since cell service is spotty at best. If you want, PM me and I'll point you in the right direction of some good spots.